Thaksin call fails to sway critics

Ousted prime minister and fugitive Thaksin Shinawatra should repent if he truly seeks forgiveness and reconciliation, Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday.

"It is unfortunate that Thaksin appears determined to sway [public] sentiment instead of showing remorse, although he should seriously reflect on his performance," he said.

Abhisit and many Thaksin opponents have voiced strong disapproval for his defiance of his conviction for conflict of interest in the Ratchadaphisek land case.

Thaksin has also come under criticism for what is seen as his presumptuousness in saying during his phone-in on Saturday that nothing can bring him back from exile except royal mercy and the will of the people.

Former graft buster Sak Korsaengruang said Thaksin had overestimated himself by trampling on the law and the judicial system.

"As a rich man, Thaksin can pay for signatures to endorse his petition for royal intervention to save himself," he said, arguing that Thaksin is misleading the public with his perceived injustice when he subscribes to legal manipulations.

He said if Thaksin had no confidence in the judiciary, then he should not try to sue his opponents, including members of the Assets Examination Committee.

Former AEC member Udom Fuangfung said he would not react to the remarks of Thaksin, who is a convict.

Thaksin's spokesman Pongthep Thepkanchana said there were no plans to petition for a royal pardon for the ex-premier. There might be a misunderstanding because Thaksin did not mention seeking amnesty, he said.

He said he saw no repercussions from Thaksin's phone-in on Saturday.

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat said he did not keep tabs on Thaksin's remarks, so he was not in a position to comment.

"From what I was told, the rally was peaceful and the crowds dispersed in an orderly manner after Thaksin's call-in," he said.

The National Police chief and the Metropolitan Police commissioner both assured him that the situation was under control, he said, allaying concerns about a violent clash of opposing crowds as had been feared.

People's Alliance for Democracy co-leader Pipop Thongchai said Thaksin's remarks drove a deeper wedge in society.

"Social divisions, particularly among the grassroots people, have widened," he said.

PAD co-leader Chamlong Srimuang said Thaksin was disrespectful when he tried to link his return to the revered institution.

PAD spokesman Suriyasai Katasila said Thaksin was trying to sow distrust by convincing his supporters that royal intercession could end or prolong his exile.

Democrat Party spokesman Buranat Samutharak said the ex-premier should serve his two-year jail term in order to pave way for the petitioning for a royal pardon.

The turmoil will persist so long as Thaksin fails to realise that the more he tries to sway sentiment, the deeper the political rifts, he said.

Democrat MP Thaworn Senniam said Thaksin acted selfishly for trying to whitewash himself at the expense of society.

Army spokesman Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the military would not speculate on the meaning of what Thaksin said. Army chief General Anupong Paochinda had no specific instructions on the matter, he said.

Law Society of Thailand president Det-udom Krairit said it was up to the courts to rule whether Thaksin's remarks could be construed as contempt.